Search results: Year: 2011 Month: December

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). December 2011

Feeding the world's poor is one of the most pressing challenges of the present day, as human populations grow and put increasing strain on natural resources. This report expands the 2009 State of Food and Agriculture (FAO 2009) and tells the story of livestock and food security from three perspectives. The first section of the report presents a global overview, examining the role that livestock play in various dimensions of food security. It describes the place of livestock products in human nutrition, the contribution of livestock to the world food supply an...[Read full description]

This report builds on the statement of June 2009 by United Nations entities on the "Green Economy: A Transformation to Address Multiple Crises" and provides a common reference for United Nations agencies on the meaning and implications of a green economy approach including the possibilities such an approach brings in terms of improved public-private collaboration. It highlights key messages from our evolving understanding of what is required to meet current economic and resource challenges. The report is organized into four main Parts, covering (i) concepts a...[Read full description]

This e-atlas models the distribution of five natural hazards - seismic activity, floods, landslides, heat-waves and winds - and populations' exposure to them in 32 countries of the European Region. It provides the baseline data and maps needed to assess where the potential for damage may be the greatest and to underpin the call for more resources to improve emergency preparedness, reduce the health risks to vulnerable populations and aid the emergency response. This information also supports the identification, planning and prioritization of areas for prevent...[Read full description]

This publication presents an overview of central issues relevant to opportunities for adaptation - and also the risks that women are exposed to with climate change in mountain regions. Adaptation strategies as well as climate change impacts on the environment and water resources are especially analyzed.

International Water Association (IWA), World Health Organization (WHO). December 2011

The aim of this publication is to give decision-makers, health professionals and analysts a comprehensive view of the arguments and challenges associated with establishing the value of drinking-water interventions. The experts who have contributed to this publication provide guidance on assessing the benefits from improving access to safe drinking-water and from reducing the burden of water-related diseases. They show how to compare the value of these benefits to the costs of interventions, with special reference to small-scale drinking-water systems. The spe...[Read full description]

This publication is intended to help experts and policymakers alike to better understand how the UNECE environmental conventions can contribute to the development of transboundary cooperation and more effective management of regional water resources in Central Asia. The publication presents these legal instruments together in a comprehensive way and focuses on the legal framework for inter-State cooperation on water as provided by UNECE multilateral environmental instruments. The publication goes further than explaining the principles and provisions of the UN...[Read full description]

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). December 2011

This publication is intended to raise awareness of the global importance and the need for sustainable management of mountain forests. Chapter 2 focuses on these valuable ecosystems and on their role and influence in both the quantity and quality of water supplies. Four specific cases are analyzed, including the following:
- The forests of the Catskill Mountains, USA: Watershed for a megalopolis;
- Ensuring the provision of environmental services from Selva de Florencia Natural National Park, Colombia;
- Popa Mountain Park: An oasis on the dry plans of Myan...[Read full description]

This joint study, involving four UN agencies, analyzes regional climate trends over the past 40 years and their implications for the availability of natural resources, livelihoods, migration and conflict in 17 West African countries. The study has two objectives: to analyze the historical climate trends in the region, identify hotspots and determine the potential implications for livelihoods which depend on natural resources; and to provide recommendations for improving conflict and migration sensitivity in adaptation planning, investments and policies across...[Read full description]

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), World Bank Water Partnership Program (WPP). December 2011

This overview paper aims to determine the size and composition of the flow of funds, assess the quality of public spending, and identify common issues in public expenditure in the water sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper tests current public spending patterns against the economic rationale for such spending, including reducing disparities in service delivery and overcoming market failures. The scope of the present review includes expenditures by public institutions (at the central and local government levels) on domestic resources and grants or loans pro...[Read full description]

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